Paul ZHANG 张翼鹏

Chief Technology OfficerAvant inc.

Hi, my name is Paul Zhang, I am the Chief Technology Officer at Avant. Avant is an online lender focused on lowering the cost and barriers of borrowing to the middle class consumer around the globe by leveraging the latest technology and analytics. We are a 3.5 year old company and have issued more than 3 billion dollars in loans so far.

What was your first job, and how did it shape your life?

First job was at a library. Taught me patience and effort can accomplish a lot of things. Not a lot of automation in the library, but it was small scaled. Similarly, in business, a small idea can be done manually first to prove out the concept before you scale.

What keeps you awake at night?

I like to think about the future of humanity and where it would go in the next 50-100 years as technology continues to evolve and become ever-present in our lives.

What books are currently on your bedside table?

The Expanse Series by James S.A. Corey

When do you feel most free?

When I am traveling with friends and loved ones.

What’s your view on money?

Money should serve a purpose. It can be a simple purpose such as helping you feel more free or accomplishing a task that you have set out to do. It can also be the end goal for a great endeavor. But it’s the application of money that is important, not money by itself.